The Jewish Ghetto of Venice: its history

The Jewish Ghetto of Venice is the oldest in the world: it was established on 29 March 1516; for many centuries, it was the place where Venetian Jews lived in segregation, until Napoleon’s edict put an end to this separation.

Curiously, the word ‘ghetto’ derives from ‘getto’, meaning ‘casting’: in this part of the city, before the Jews arrived, there were several cannon foundries, which were moved to the Arsenale in 1390.

Today, only a few Jews live there, but at one time the population numbered as many as 5,000. No one was allowed to leave, except for Jewish doctors tasked with treating the sick.

Venice’s Jewish Ghetto: the Synagogues

If you wish to begin your tour with the oldest synagogue, you should start with the Todesca, which dates back to 1500 and is attended mainly by Ashkenazi Jews.

As I continued my journey of discovery through the places of worship in Venice’s Jewish Quarter, I realised that the simplest of the existing synagogues is the Italiana, with a minimalist structure that allows sunlight to stream in easily. This is the most austere of the Venetian synagogues and was built in 1575.

Finally, if you have some time to spare, the Levantina and the Ponentina are also well worth a visit: the former has undergone various restoration works over the centuries, whilst the latter is considered the most important of the synagogues bearing witness to the Jewish presence in Venice. It was founded in the second half of the 16th century.

The Venice Ghetto is a place teeming with history and local traditions. You can sense this as you stroll through its narrow streets, taking in the aroma of #kosher cuisine wafting from the traditional little restaurants.
It is the oldest in the world, but it has aged very well. If we close our eyes, we can imagine how the #Jews of that era lived; we can picture them entering their synagogues, which were by no means sumptuous but steeped in religious devotion.

Our journey of discovery through the Venetian ghetto continues in this article, which we recommend you read:

‘Nothing earthly may stand above the synagogue’: this is why Venice’s synagogues are often situated on the top floor of buildings, hidden and unrecognisable from the outside. The only signs of their presence are the five aligned windows (which symbolise the books of the Torah) and the Hebrew inscriptions on the walls. It was only thanks to a guided tour, in fact, that I was able to grasp the essence, the distinctive features and the details of one of Venice’s most fascinating places: the Jewish Ghetto. Now I’ll tell you what I discovered.

See the Venetian gondolas being crafted and mended

Venice is perhaps best known for its winding waterways, and for the classic gondolas that sail along them. This exclusive experience takes you into the heart of the Venetian gondola building culture, showing you the city’s craftsmen at work making real repairs and building sturdy new boats at the Squero di San Trovaso. The tour also takes in the lively Santa Margherita, where guests can stop for a drink and soak up the local culture.

Would you like to discover the true spirit of Venice in a single tour? Do our Walking Tour of Venice! Enjoy a walk outdoors (no entries to the monuments) around most characteristic and important place for the history of Venice. With one of our expert Guide you will walk around the famous St. Mark’s Square and feel the charm of this unique city of the world.

An essential tour for the understanding of Venice!

Itinerary Highlights
The tour starts from St. Mark’s Square giving you a description of the history of the main monuments: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Clock Tower and the “Procuratie”. You will proceed to S. Maria Formosa, with its lively “Campo”, one of the most popular squares in Venice and reach the Church and Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo – the “Pantheon” of Venice. In the same square you will see the great charitable Scuola and the heroic deeds of the famous Capitains of fortune. The tour will then lead you to Marco Polo’s house and Malibran Theatre, where ancient and recent history meet in this wonderful corner of Venice. You will walk back to St. Mark’s through the famous Mercerie, once the commercial lifeline between Rialto and St. Mark’s and today Venice’s main shopping district.

Discover one of the world’s most majestic cathedrals, a true masterpiece of Byzantine art!
Together with a tour guide arranged in agreement with the Curia di Venezia, you can take in a full tour of the Golden Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doges of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlay flooring.
Comfortably seated, listen to our Guide describe the biblical scenes represented and the history and particularities of this ancient basilica. Admire the “Pala d’oro”, an exquisite example of Byzantine art with its thousands of gems and precious stones.

Explore the splendid Doge’s Palace, the true heart of Venetian political power!

Would you like to discover the places where the Doge and his council held the fate of Venice?
Together with an experienced and qualified tour guide you will visit the halls of power, immersing yourself in medieval Europe among the stuccoes halls and hundreds of masterpieces.
You will be amazed by the richness of detail of the Golden Staircase, reliving the anguish of prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs and entering the Venetian prison in which you will see how the prisoners of the Most Serene Republic lived. A tour that will forever live in your memories!

The history of Venice begun from its islands, in fact, in Torcello there’s been the first lagoon settlement.

With the Excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Venice Lagoon and its stunning nature.

A classic gondola ride is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and color of this unique city built on water. You will be delighted by the elegance of the grand mansions with their fine facades and richly toned plaster work. Our staff will welcome you at the meeting point and give you bording assistance on your Gondola (up to 6 people per Gondola). The tour begins in the Canal Grande in the Salute area and proceeds to the minor canals in the Fenice area. Your 30-minute ride ends at the starting point.

Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years.

Experience the thousand-year old city of Venice when the twilight takes you into a new, surprising and different city. An expert guide will take you through the Venetian streets where you will discover the local Venetian “Bacari” (bars) and sample “Cicchetti” (snacks) which are specialties of Venetian cuisine. This fascinating itinerary lets you get to know a Venice enchanted by the lights and its unforgettable colors. Included are 3 different types of cicchetti and a tasting of 3 different types of locally produced Venetian wines.

An expert guide will recount the legends and anecdotes behind the most important historical and artistic monuments aided by a powerful torch to illuminate the churches and palaces enveloped in a wonderful night-time atmosphere. This fascinating itinerary lets you get to know a Venice enchanted by the lights and its unforgettable colors.
The evening will end on a high note, thanks to a drink which will be served to you in an elegant Venetian house (or typical bar)!

Discover Venice’s most unusual and characteristic corners on this walking tour! Would you like to be accompanied on an unusual and alternative itinerary which will make you discover a lesser-known Venice? A tour guide will lead you on an outdoor tour, letting you explore the area between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, stopping at some special places:the Teatro la Fenice, the Scala del Bovolo, the Rialto Bridge.

Enjoy a fascinating evening walk, discovering unusual routes accompanied by the legends, anecdotes and tales of a very secret Venice.
Would you like to experience the magical moment when the unique Venetian twilight turns to darkness?
The itinerary is variable, as we wish to avoid the large tourist masses so you can completely immerse yourself in an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the twilight and darkness. The walk takes in the areas of Rialto, Cannaregio and Castello.